Butler Health System | Health Link | Spring 2019

A rise in rates of colorectal cancer among young and middle-aged adults has spurred the American Cancer Society (ACS) to change its guidelines for when people should start screening for the disease. The ACS now recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45, five years earlier than the previous recommendation of 50. People who are at increased risk for the cancer may want to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45 or be screened more often. What prompted the change? A study led by the ACS and published earlier this year found that, overall, rates of new colorectal cancer cases in the U.S. have been dropping since the mid-1980s. The decline has been even steeper during the past decade—for which the ACS credits screening tests. Some screening tests, such as colonoscopies, can find and remove sus- picious growths before they have a chance to become cancer. However, the decline in rates of newly diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer has been led by older adults. Incidence rates have actually been rising for adults younger than 50. In addition, the ACS study found that people younger than 55 are more likely than older people to be diagnosed with late- stage colorectal cancer. The study’s authors theorized that younger people are delay- ing diagnosis because they don’t recognize symptoms of the disease. Check your insurance There are multiple screening tests available for colorectal cancer, including noninvasive stool tests. The new guidelines from the ACS don’t endorse a particular test, but they do stress regular screening and they recom- mend a follow-up with a colonoscopy if the results from another test are suspicious. The new ACS guidelines don’t quite match up with those of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which still recommends screen- ing for colorectal cancer at age 50. Many insurance providers offer coverage based on the Task Force’s recommendations, so check your coverage in advance of any testing. Oncology Care Colorectal cancer usually starts silently—with no signs or symptoms at all. But over time it can cause:  Rectal bleeding  Blood in your stool—bright red, very dark or black  Frequent cramping or pain in your lower belly  The urge to move your bowels without having a bowel movement  A change in your bowel habits—such as constipation, diarrhea or a narrowing of the stool—that lasts for more than a few days  Weakness and fatigue  Weight loss without dieting These symptoms are often something other than cancer. But don’t take chances: If you have any of them, tell your doctor. Sources: American Cancer Society; American Gastroenterological Association Watch for these warning signs of colorectal cancer People younger than 55 are more likely than older people to be diagnosed with late- stage colorectal cancer. COLORECTAL CANCER New screening guidelines HEALTH LINK 4 |